Nitrox Explained: More Bottom Time, Fewer Worries
Shark Quest Crew·October 30, 2026· 5 min read
Regular air is about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Nitrox (enriched air) simply has more oxygen — commonly 32% or 36% — and therefore less nitrogen. Less nitrogen in means less nitrogen absorbed, which means longer no-decompression limits.
Why it matters here
Most of our Gulf wrecks sit in the 60–130 ft range, right where Nitrox makes the biggest difference. On a multi-dive charter it can noticeably extend your bottom time and shorten your surface intervals.
The rule: respect your maximum depth
Oxygen becomes toxic at high pressure. Every Nitrox mix has a maximum operating depth (MOD) — for example, roughly 110 ft for 32% and 95 ft for 36% at the common 1.4 limit. Going deeper than your MOD risks oxygen toxicity, which can cause a seizure underwater.
- Analyze your own tank before every dive and log the percentage.
- Set your dive computer to that exact mix.
- Know your MOD and stay above it.
Nitrox certification is one of the most useful courses you can take. See our Nitrox course page or give us a call.